Does anyone actually GET local govt pensions?

Another day, another confusing message about the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). This time, the Taxpayers’ Alliance (a supposedly non-partisan pressure group) claimed councils across the UK had a combined pensions deficit of £54bn in 2010-11, meaning £1 in every £5 of council tax was being used to subsidise council pensions. It called the LGPS “inflexible”, “too expensive”, “unsustainable” and in need of urgent reform.

Unions gasped in outrage.

“Get your facts straight,” heckled Unison, pointing out that council tax makes up just 25% of a council’s overall funding, so the figure is closer to 5p in every £1. Meanwhile GMB released counter figures showing the current LGPS deficit to be closer to £38bn.

About Kirsty McGregor

Kirsty McGregor is Community Care's workforce editor. She reports daily on social workers' pay and conditions, education, training, career progression, registration and fitness to practise. This includes issues affecting newly qualified social workers across the UK and the recent development of the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) in England. She is also responsible for producing job hunting and career progression advice.